Alert vs flu-like illnesses up again
Senior health advocates on Thursday called on local government units (LGUs) to protect high-risk groups like the elderly against influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), emphasizing that delayed vaccination could lead to severe and costly flu complications.
This, after the Quezon City government reported that the ILIs have surpassed the epidemic threshold, with 152 cases reported from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13.
The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. also reported a 10-percent increase in patient admissions, noting that hospitals are “mostly full” as the rainy season intensifies.
Bayan Bakuna lead convenor Mikaella Jeleene Salinas Asoy said vaccine allocations from the national government remain uncertain.
According to health experts, seniors face the highest risk of severe flu complications, including pneumonia and heart attacks. Hospitalization costs for such can range from P10,000 to P30,000.
Household transmission rates can reach 13 to 32 percent, with flu spreading aggressively among school-age children. Older persons who live with or help care for grandchildren who may unknowingly bring the virus home become at a greater risk.
“The reported spike in cases highlights the urgent need for preventive measures,” Asoy said.
“Vaccination remains the most proven, cost-effective way to protect the elderly population,” she added.
She urged families to accompany their elderly loved ones to barangay health centers and inquire about vaccine availability. She noted that such community demand can help LGUs prioritize vaccination programs and ensure that seniors are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
